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Residential buildings in Sitio Stone Hill, Botiwtiw and Sadjap of Barangay Balili are transformed into a huge canvas to create a Favela-inspired mural masterpiece.
The place now calledSTOBOSA Hillside Homes Artwork was the largest community artwork in the country and the first in the Philippines. STOBOSA stands for the three sitios.
The project to paint 200 houses in an area of 18,000 square meters is a component of the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region’s Rev-Bloom Urban Redevelopment Tourism project initiated by Director Marie Venus Tan.It was made possible through a partnership with La Trinidad-LGU, Davies Paints, the Tam-awan Village Artists, and the Km.3, Balili Community. The mural was unveiled today, June 23, graced by Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr.
The design concept was created by Tam-awan artists Jordan Mangusan, GedAlangui, Clinton Anniversario and Jenny Lorenzo. The concept was inspired by the Favela murals initiated by artists Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahnin Rio de Janiero, Brazil where they transformed urban residences into a huge canvas of abstract paintings.
Davies Paints donated a total of 2800 gallons of primer and colored paints while La Trinidad LGU provided the scaffolding, brushes, rollers, paint thinners and other materials.
Johnlee Garcia, president of Davies paint, said that the company is grateful to be chosen as the partner in implementing the project.
“Davies has always been passionate about finding ways to help improve communities in whatever way we can and this project is a great opportunity to create a big impact in the area,” he said. “We’re proud to be a major part of this project and we plan to continue these efforts in the future.”
Ms. Gloria Agasen who presides for the women’s group the place was in charge with the actual implementation of the painting project whileCara Cosalan, wife of the incumbent Congressman of Benguet, provided the meals for volunteers.
Work for the project was started on January 18 with volunteers coming from different organizations and institutions. During the 80-day implementation, there are about 520 persons who worked coming from the residents, Boy Scout of the Phils. – Benguet Chapter, Benguet State University, King’s College, Baguio-Benguet photographers, Hikers,and Artists Club, Botiwtiw Women’s Brigade and Organization and PNP-CAR Police Trainees.
DOT-CAR Director Tan said the project has encountered challenges like the skepticism of people.With the help of Tamawan Village artists in designing the murals, the projects was initiated. She said she gave full reign to the artist to do what they want with it.
Ms. Gloria Agasen also encountered challenges during the project’s implementation. She said the biggest challenge was a resident who changed his mind in the middle of the project even after acquiring several gallons of paint primers. His big house is the only one with a contradicting painting.
After 80 days, the actual number of houses painted is 180 with 1,000 gallons of primer paints used and 500 gallons of colored paints. There are still 1,300 unused paints for the continuation of the project.
Director Tan said work will continue after the unveiling. “More than the mural, more than the beautification, you will see the community has bonded together to spruce up their areas,” she said.
